Future-Focused Sixth Form 26-27

Future-focused Sixth Form A guide to the curriculum

2025/26

Designed for Girls. Built for the Future.

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Head’s welcome 3 Key staff 4 Head of Sixth Form, introduction 5 What sets us apart?

6 Our future-focused curriculum 8 The Sixth Form community 9 A tailored offer 10 A Level choices 12 Academic electives 14

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Future skills Sport and Physical Education Co-curricular electives Pastoral Boarding Next steps and careers Results and entry requirements Scholarships & bursaries Alumnae

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Welcome to our Sixth Form A place where ambition meets innovation, and where our students are empowered to become future-ready global citizens.

Our Sixth Form experience is an exciting one and is specific for girls; it offers intellectual freedom, curiosity and challenge, diverse pathways and opportunities to prepare all our students for their next steps, whatever they may be. The rich and rewarding future skills and academic electives, alongside a wealth of co-curricular activities, provides everyone with a chance to find out what they truly value enabling them to flourish.

Our curriculum reflects our values: Girls First, Bravery, Kindness and Excellence.

A nurturing and supportive community allows long-lasting friendships to form, which lends itself to an environment where intellectual risk and growth in academic confidence are found.

The support – academic, wellbeing and co-curricular pathways – is personalised, meaning our students are supported in the right way to help them aim high and achieve their goals.

Royal High School Bath is proud to be part of the GDST family, where our network of 26 schools and thousands of international alumnae form part of our wider community.

This is a place where girls come first. A place where we value not just what our students achieve, but who they become.

A warm welcome awaits you in our Sixth Form.

Ms Heidi-Jayne Boyes Head – Royal High School Bath, GDST

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Key academic & Pastoral staff

Mrs Mandy Ladbury Webb Head of Sixth Form and Assistant Head, Teacher of Mathematics

Mrs Katherine Newman Deputy Head of Sixth Form and Teacher of Psychology

Mrs Melanie Whalley Head of Careers, Head of PSHE and Teacher of Business

Mr Tim Hardcastle Head of Higher Education Support, Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors Manager, Teacher of Chemistry

Mrs Abbi Pullen Sixth Form Boarding Housemistress

Mrs Rachel Amies Sixth Form Administrator

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Introduction from our Head of Sixth Form Whether you’ve been with us for years or are considering joining our community for the first time, you are about to step into an exciting new chapter of your education. Sixth Form is all about independence, deeper learning, and the freedom to dive into the subjects that really spark your interest.

Students thrive in a supportive and intellectually ambitious environment.

Expert teaching and a flexible curriculum empower our students to explore their interests, embrace challenges and shape their futures with confidence. Beyond the classroom, students take the lead – on stage, in sport and through academic competitions. They connect with students at other schools, and the local community, through initiatives such as Model United Nations, Bath Youth Parliament, as CHSW Young Ambassadors and through the GDST LEAD programme. Leadership, volunteering and mentoring opportunities foster a strong sense of belonging, where girls inspire and support one another to form lifelong friendships.

What makes Royal High so special is our inclusive and welcoming community. Here, mutual support is at the heart of everything we do, and student wellbeing is prioritised. With a dedicated team of teachers and staff by your side, you will have all the guidance, resources, and encouragement you need to thrive academically and personally.

We look forward to welcoming you to Royal High Sixth Form.

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Mrs Mandy Ladbury Webb Head of Sixth Form

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WHAT SETS US APART? Why choose our Sixth Form?

We believe in educating the whole girl – mind, heart and spirit. Our Sixth Form is where ambitions take flight. Because here, girls lead.

Our Sixth Form is designed with a clear goal: to help every student achieve her very best. With opportunities to stretch academically, take on leadership roles, and explore future pathways with expert careers and university guidance, this is where ambition meets support. Surrounded by like-minded, driven peers, our students don’t just prepare for their future, they shape it.

Girls first. That’s our superpower.

Designed for girls Broad, flexible and academically rigorous curriculum Tailored pathways and outstanding pastoral care Leadership and co-curricular opportunities Dedicated expert Sixth Form team Support for HE applications: Oxbridge, UCAS, Foundation Courses, Apprenticeships and international universities Future skills programme with personal and real-world focus Nurture of collaboration and discussion.

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As an all-girls’ school it’s just such a comfortable environment. I’ve loved feeling so comfortable in class, being able to ask questions, discuss things so openly and share a lot of laughter with my classmates.

Liv, RHB Alumna ’24

Being at an all-girls’ school has been so empowering. You are never afraid to express your opinion or communicate what you need.

Pelagia, RHB Alumna ’24

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Our future-focused curriculum Our Sixth Form offer has been thoughtfully crafted to give students flexibility, choice and challenge – reflecting the diverse ambitions and talents among our girls.

With a wide-ranging curriculum, leadership opportunities and a real focus on skills for life, we offer a palette of provision from which our students are free to choose:

A Level subject choices A wide portfolio of subjects on offer from which students may choose up to 4 subjects.

Future Skills Programme (compulsory) A forward facing programme to equip girls with essential 21st century skills

Academic Electives (timetabled)

Co-Curricular Electives

This includes AS Level subject choices (exams in Year 12) and other enrichment qualifications

Experiences that enhance personal development through leadership and creativity

Whether students’ aspirations are focused on Oxbridge or the G5 universities, medicine, international study, creative or performing arts, business, languages, liberal arts, STEM, or beyond – our Sixth Form structure flexes to support and inspire our learners.

Rooted in our values of Girls First.

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The Sixth Form community When asked what makes Royal High Sixth Form special, our students consistently reply “community”.

Whichever academic pathway draws you, or subjects you take for A Level, as a boarding or day student, joining our Sixth Form, you will be welcomed into this close-knit community. This is a place that celebrates difference, where you can truly be yourself, pursuing your own interests and passions, while being part of this strong and supportive collective.

Our welcoming Sixth Form Centre is a hub of activity. As well as hosting classrooms for a number of lessons, it brings both year groups together with plenty of communal space to bond, including a kitchen and a spacious Common Room, with doors opening onto the Sixth Form gardens, surrounded by trees.

You will also be able to find quiet space for focus, with the silent study areas and the Sixth Form Library, offering access to over 4000 subject specific books and resources, as well as a range of fiction and non-fiction for further study or enjoyment.

The main thing that makes this Sixth Form so special is the sense of community. Everyone is so close with each other across both the year groups, and so supportive and kind. It’s such a wonderful space to be.”

Anya, RHB Alumna ‘24

The social environment is just so good. It’s great to hang out and chat in the Common Room. We are a small Sixth Form, but that means that we feel comfortable with each other.”

Lily, RHB Alumna ‘24

The Sixth Form Café, located in Gloucester House, is open to all our Sixth Form students for break and lunch, and can also be used as a social space or for group study sessions.

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A tailored offer – for every student Our curriculum is designed to suit a broad range of learner profiles:

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Focused on academic excellence in everything they do with a natural curiosity and drive to attend a worldwide university.

Focused on a clear career path (e.g. medicine, veterinary science engineering, law), choosing 3–4 A Levels aligned to their goal, plus EPQ.

Unsure of their future yet eager to discover their passions; selecting a broad mix of subjects and electives.

Academic

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Specialist

Explorer

We tailor our support to each girl, recognising her strengths and nurturing her potential.

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Thrives in the arts, languages or humanities, combining creative subjects with future skills and enrichment.

Ambitious and practical, choosing subjects with real-world application, plus enterprise electives and leadership roles.

Active and determined, fulfilling their passion for sport in parallel with their academic studies.

Creator

Entrepreneur Athlete

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A Level choices A Levels Our Sixth Form curriculum is a launch pad for confident, curious, and courageous futures. At its heart lies the A Level programme—widely regarded as the gold standard in academic preparation for university and beyond. Students may choose up to four A Level subjects, allowing for both specialisation and breadth, depending on individual interests and aspirations.

A Levels offer a rigorous and in-depth exploration of each subject, fostering independent thinking, analytical skills, and intellectual resilience. Our offer includes a wide range of subjects that can be studied in any combination.

These include new subjects including Economics, History of Art, Politics, Photography and Psychology.

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Art

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History of Art

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Biology

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Latin

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Business Studies

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Chemistry

Maths and Further Maths

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Classical Civilisation

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Music

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Computer Science

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Music Technology

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Design Technology

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Photography

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Drama and Theatre

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Physical Education

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Economics

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Physics

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English

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Politics

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French

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Psychology

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Geography

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Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)

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German

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Spanish

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History

You have a really positive relationship with your teachers in Sixth Form, and can talk about issues in the real world, not just what’s on the curriculum. There’s a great discussion and debating environment in my classes, which I really like.

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We support students in building a unique subject combination tailored to their interests and goals, with guidance and encouragement at every step.

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Academic electives We have a programme of additional qualifications that will add value and interest to your Sixth Form experience through taking these alongside your A levels.This might be through taking a subject at AS Level or choosing a further qualification from our suite of world-ready choices.

AS Level opportunities Taking an AS level is a great way to add to your Sixth Form Portfolio by demonstrating your commitment to learning and increasing the breadth of your knowledge.

You might want to take an AS in a subject that is related to your core A Level choices, demonstrating skills in areas prized by universities in particular subjects. For example, someone taking Economics, Sciences or Psychology may wish to take AS Maths to support their other subjects and demonstrate their numeracy to admissions tutors for courses in these areas.

Alternatively, you may wish to add an unrelated AS option to feed your academic curiosity and to add breadth and variety to your learning. A student choosing to specialise in the humanities may wish to continue to maintain their interest in creative subjects, a language or a science subject, for example.

All AS examinations take place during May/June of Year 12. This will enable you to present the result as part of your UCAS application and will give you more time to focus on core A Level choices in Year 13.

In Year 12 your workload will be similar to a student who has chosen to take four A levels. Please consider the level of commitment required before choosing to taking an AS level; other less-intensive options are also available.

To maintain your focus and maximise your chances of success, you may only enter for examinations in one subject at AS level.

In your AS level lessons you will be taught alongside A Level students for 10 periods per fortnight throughout Year 12. These classes will only run if the A level course is viable.

The Criminology Level 3 Certificate is equivalent in hours and commitment to an AS subject and will fit into the A Level blocks. The course will be completed at the end of the Year 12.

To find out more about these subjects at AS please speak to the Head of Department.

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The following departments can offer their A level subjects at AS:

Art Biology Chemistry Classical Civilisation Computer Science Criminology

(L3 Certificate, AS equivalent)

French German History of Art Latin Mathematics Music Music Technology Photography Physical Education Physics Politics Psychology Spanish

Further qualifications Our programme of alternative qualifications will add value and interest to your Sixth Form experience through taking an additional qualification alongside your A levels. Whether you wish to develop skills to support your university application, to boost your gap-year employability or gain credit and a structure for developing your leadership skills or following your passions, there is an option for you.

The following courses can be taken as an Academic Elective:

L1 Beginners Certificate in British Sign Language AFA Creative Writing CISI L2 Certificate in Fundamentals of Financial Services Further Mathematics A Level (for those already taking Mathematics A Level)

Guided Future Learn IT and Computer Science Courses Leith’s Confident Cookery Course L3 Qualification in Sports/Dance Leadership TEFL Qualification Criminology (L3 Certificate, AS equivalent)

These courses will be timetabled in one option block. If you also choose an AS subject please be mindful of the amount of commitment that these additional electives take – seek advice from your tutor or the Curriculum Team.

Please look carefully at the amount of commitment required from you to make this elective a success. We will run a selection of the most popular of these courses based on student interest.

Languages Options:

Accreditation in Languages for Business in French, German or Spanish.

HSK Certificate in Mandarin Mandarin A Level for Native/Non-Native Speakers

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Future Skills programme The Future Skills programme, which runs fortnightly for an hour right through Sixth Form, ensures that you have time to consider and engage in wellbeing. It fosters the values of respect and tolerance that make for healthy relationships and communities.

In these sessions we look at societal and female-focused topics like female health and wellbeing, issues around social media, relationships, drugs and alcohol, and first-aid awareness.

We also use these valuable sessions to cover a wide range of career-focused activities, often welcoming visits from speakers from business and industry and our Alumnae network to present to students on a range of helpful subjects, such as interview and presentation skills, leadership skills, working with charities and communications.

Designed to equip girls with essential 21st century competencies, building on their growing confidence, our Future Skills programme includes:

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Careers advice and next steps

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Critical thinking

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Developing confidence through public speaking

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Digital and AI literacy

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Financial literacy

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Guidance with work experience

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Leadership

Research skills lessons – Delivered through weekly sessions, taught component of EPQ workshops and real-world ★ Support with UCAS and overseas applications projects, this course empowers ★ Women in the workplace – students to succeed in any How to ask for a pay rise! professional or academic setting. ★

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Sport and Physical Education

The aim of our Sixth Form Sport programme is to provide a range of opportunities for all students at any level, to be able to improve health and wellbeing. We want students to leave the Sixth Form feeling confident and able to continue to pursue sport and physical activity into adulthood.

In Sixth Form you will have a timetabled games afternoon each week, with a choice of sports on offer.

If you are interested in playing competitive sports and representing the school, we offer teams and competitions in hockey, cross country, netball, swimming, athletics, cricket and tennis.

If you are looking to focus on general physical activity we offer fitness-based classes such as spinning, kickboxing, strength and conditioning, badminton, rounders, tennis and rugby.

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Through these experiences, students develop resilience, collaboration and passion – vital for life after school.

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Co-curricular electives Our Sixth Form co-curricular electives are designed to enrich personal development and creativity, with options tailored to how girls learn best.

From leadership and innovation to expressive arts, each elective encourages confidence, curiosity and individuality beyond the classroom.

Options may include: ★ ARTiculation Competition

★ Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award

★ Bath Student Parliament

★ MedSoc

★ Childrens Hospice South

★ Microsoft/FutureLearn

West Young Ambassador

MOOC Certification

★ Debating Skills

★ Model United Nations (MUN)

★ Duke of Edinburgh

★ Foreign Language

Young Leader ★ First Aid Training ★ Full Programme of Sports

Clubs and Fixtures ★ GDST LEAD with LSE

Leader Award (FLLA) ★ School Musical and

other Drama, Dance and Music Performances ★ Volunteering

★ GDST Space

Technology Diploma

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Pastoral At Royal High we understand that some students may need a little more time and support to achieve their academic potential.

The Sixth Form staff team, with their wealth of experience, are passionate and dedicated and will work together to guide and support you through the next two years of your education.

Our primary focus is on bolstering your self-assurance and belief in yourself, empowering you to handle the challenges, not only of the curriculum, but also of life outside the classroom.

Individualised attention for each student is a cornerstone of our approach. With small class sizes our teachers truly understand each student and adapt their teaching to the needs of the group.

When you join Year 12 you will be assigned a Sixth Form tutor who you will quickly get to know, meeting for a 1:1 session every fortnight, ensuring consistency throughout your time with us.

During the first weeks of Year 12 you will set off for a memorable few days with your peers and Sixth Form staff at the beautiful Osmington Bay, on the Dorset coast.

Through a variety of team-building activities such as dragon-boat racing, zip-line and rock climbing, you will have the chance to experience a fantastic adventure, while really bonding with your peers. This wonderful trip plays a pivotal role in initiation into the life of Sixth Form.

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Although there is a lot more independence, the teachers are always there for you to back you up.

The strength that we have as a collective just makes you feel so safe every day, that the idea of the big outside world is not an intimidating one.

The Sixth Form team has really brought me out of my shell. When I first arrived in Year 12 I was quite shy, but I know I have grown so much in confidence in my time here.

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The boarding community is so international. The boarding staff are so lovely and so amazingly supportive.

Billie Sixth Form boarder from Sweden 22 22

Boarding & Flexi-Boarding Boarding at RHB Sixth Form has really helped me grow and become very independent and prepared for university life.

Liv, Sixth Form boarder from Ireland

Boarding at RHB is a place to build friendships for life, while developing independence in a nurturing environment.

We welcome students from the UK, and across the world, to join us for full-time boarding or a range of flexi-boarding options, including weekly boarding, a few nights a week, or just the occasional overnight stay.

Our inclusive Sixth Form community, which combines both day and boarding students, provides the perfect environment for international students to immerse themselves in English. At the same time, local day students benefit from the international community and form strong friendships with peers from around the globe.

These friends are going to be your new family in England.

They will support you through the tough times when you feel homesick but also cheer you on when you’re achieving your best.

Our modern and comfortable Sixth Form boarding ensures girls benefit from greater independence and freedom to prepare for university and life after school.

Scan to find out more about boarding at RHB.

Katie, Sixth Form boarder from Germany 23

YOUR NEXT STEPS… University Application (UCAS) We are immensely proud of the unparalleled programme of support we offer our students to help them plan their next steps beyond school.

Our experienced Higher Education, Careers and Tutor team, led by Head of HE Support, Mr Hardcastle, will support and guide you through the entire UCAS application procedure. We are confident in offering you the best possible help to ensure you gain the university place most suited to you.

We offer a tried and tested timeline of Higher Education support, starting in Year 12, with our Next Steps Evening for both students and parents. The UCAS process is personalised for you, to take you smoothly through to the Autumn Term of Year 13, when it is time to make your UCAS application.

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Find out more about our UCAS procedure here:

Joining our Sixth Form, you will have access to our unique Careers Education and Guidance programme which aims to address the needs of every student and will support you to make bold and informed career choices.

Our Head of Careers, Melanie Whalley, is a Level 6 qualified Careers Advisor who is available to meet individually with Sixth Formers throughout the school year. Appointments can be arranged directly at the request of the tutor or parent.

Students can engage with GDST wide events held across the school year, covering subjects such as Alumnae in Law, Applying to American Universities and Learn to Network.

The GDST’s CareerStart programme partners with a range of organisations, including the Bright Network and London School of Economics, to organise events that give students an insight into the working world.

I felt really supported and was able to keep on track through the UCAS process which could have been so confusing.

Coco, RHB Alumna ‘24

Careers

Being a GDST girl is about being curious.

Wanting to forge your own path in the world.”

Poppy, RHB Alumna ‘24

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RESULTS Our students consistently go on to exceed their predictions and achieve outstanding results. Not only this, but they leave us as confident, well-rounded individuals with a global network of opportunities to explore.

Over the past years our results remain significantly above average, telling the story of academic curiosity, hard work and dedication of our students during their time at our inspirational Sixth Form.

For a detailed breakdown of our recent student cohort results scan here:

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I feel RHB has really prepared me for the adult world. It has helped me grow as a person and discover my passions.

Lily, RHB Alumna

Destinations Our girls go on to pursue many different passions and specialise in a wide range of exciting and innovative areas in their higher education and careers, demonstrating their spirit and individuality.

Popular destinations for our students in recent years include: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, LSE, Durham, Exeter and a whole range of Russell Group universities, as well as prestigious US and international universities. In recent years we have seen increasing numbers of students pursue wider creative options and apprenticeships.

As an all-girls’ school we excel at encouraging girls to embark on careers in STEM with 47% of our recent leavers going on to study Medicine and STEM subjects at university.

Entry Requirements To join our welcoming academic community you will need to achieve a minimum of 6 GCSEs at grades 9-6. You should achieve at least a 6 in the subjects you wish to take for A level, and at least a grade 4 in Maths and English Language GCSE’s. For Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics we expect students to achieve a grade 7 to continue their subject to a A Level. For some subjects, a grade 6 or above in a related discipline is recommended. For example, Psychology would require grade 6 or above in English, Mathematics and a Science.

Students wishing to take Music A Level also need to have Associated Board Grade 4 or above in an instrument or singing.

The diverse list of subjects studied in further education reflects the broad strength of our offer, with pupils recently pursuing degrees in subjects including:

Medicine International Relations Sport Science Marine Biology Liberal Arts Mathematics Fine Art Law Game Art Fashion Biochemistry Acting English Literature

Offers are normally made on the basis of predicted grades and school reports, but entrance assessments may be required in some cases.

Some students will be required to take papers to assess their ability in English, Maths and option subjects.

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We have so many unique and empowering opportunities as GDST girls.”

Hannah, RHB Alumna ‘24

SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES

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Bursaries

Scholarships

GDST schools have a proud history of providing financial assistance towards school fees, ensuring that girls from all backgrounds have been able to access a GDST education.

For entry into Year 12, both current RHB students and new joiners can apply for one of our Sixth Form scholarships: cholarships recognise and encourage pupils with talent and potential who will make a significant and an enduring contribution to school life.

Sixth Form Scholarships at Royal High are awarded to girls who We are committed to recruiting students demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability and a passion for learning. who we believe are most likely to flourish at RHB Sixth Form, regardless of their means. These scholarships offer far more than recognition, they open doors to a rich programme of academic enrichment. Scholars are invited to Scan here to find out more about attend specialist lectures, seminars, workshops and mentoring sessions applying for a Bursary at Sixth Form: designed to stretch their thinking and deepen their subject knowledge.

From interdisciplinary workshops to guest speaker events, scholars are immersed in a culture of curiosity and challenge.

Academic Scholarships – are available for able and ambitious girls wanting the stretch and rigour of extended learning presented by an academic scholarship. Scholars are expected to represent their specialist subjects and mentor and champion learning across the school.

Specialist Scholarships – in Art, Dance, DT, Drama, Music and Sport.

Find out more here:

A Royal High Bursary has changed my life. Having a bursary has allowed me to attend an incredible school, where my differences are valued, and my confidence and independence have grown hugely.

The opportunities are endless with a bursary and students can access events through the GDST too. An RHB Bursary has granted me so many opportunities and skills, which will stay with me and have changed the course of my future.

Mathura – alumna and former Deputy Head Girl

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What does it mean to be a GDST Girl?

Supported. Because you’re part of a massive network, and it’s like a huge family.

RHB Alumna ‘24

Suzanne Al Rawi Class of 2013 Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow

Kaat Van Assche Class of 2018 PhD student at the Robot Assisted Surgery Laboratory, KU Leuven, Belgium

Ashleigh Davis Class of 2015 Senior Landscape Architect

“I loved every part “Royal High empowered “I have a confidence of Royal High. The me to think big, set that, as a woman, support from the staff high goals, and realise I can do anything I put was incredible, and the I was more capable my mind to. I often structured approach than I had imagined. come across the same to education really Having strong female energy when I meet helped prepare us for role models in STEM new people who have university and future helped shift my also been to an all-girls’ careers. It felt like we perspective on what school. There must be weren’t just learning for was possible.” something in the water!” exams but building the skills and confidence needed for the next stage of our lives.”

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It’s so amazing that there can be so many different types of Royal High girl.

RHB Alumna ‘24

100,000 Alumnae Network As part of the GDST family we can connect you to 100,000 professional women all over the world, offering help, advice and work experience placements.

Our Sixth Form students also benefit from our amazing Royal High Alumnae who regularly visit to give talks, workshops and mentoring sessions in school.

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Royal High Bath, GDST Lansdown Road Bath BA1 5SZ United Kingdom royalhigh@rhsb.gdst.net +44 (0)1225 313877

2025/26